My little redheaded firecracker grandchild Gracie went through a comical phase as she was perfecting that art of getting around in the upright position. Shortly after learning to walk this half-pint adventurer decided it wasn’t daring enough just to balance on two feet. So, she added the “fear factor” of toddling around with her eyes closed. All about the house she’d go, blind by choice, bumping into door jams and walls and anything that stood in her way. Sooner or later she’d run into something that would take her down. Then this little clown would open her eyes, look around to see which member of her family was watching, and giggle! Gracie’s primary motivation was to do something entertaining, something that would make her older siblings laugh – So innocent and at the same time potentially dangerous.
As I observed Gracie I was reminded of several things in connection with recovery and healing. First, addiction provides a way to move through life with our eyes closed. I know I was blinded by excessive focus on food in tandem with a devastating degree of self-consciousness over my obesity.
Next, the sightless world of addiction is self-imposed. Like Gracie, we willfully close our eyes. Often we do so with good reason. Our separation from the presence of God in combination with difficult life circumstances makes the perfect recipe for fear. And, if you’re like me, when you’re afraid the first thing you want to do is close your eyes.
Finally, watching Gracie reminded me of the truth that for many of us “closing our eyes” start out in our innocents. Longing for adventure, a need for a thrill, entertainment, a way to get attention – these are all common seemingly harmless beginnings of a condition that is self-destructive, and potentially lethal, spiritually and often physically.
It doesn’t matter how young or old we were when we decided to “close our eyes,” or what our motivation was, or how many times we’ve run into the wall. When we apply the 12 Steps to our lives we finally have the courage to proceed with our eyes open. We find the courage to walk through life with our world in full view. As we practice these 12 spiritual principles we finally come to know that Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit can literally be our constant companions. In the reality of Their light and Their fellowship we become willing to look at the hard things of life.
To our great surprise and wonder the miracle doesn’t end there. With our eyes open we are now privy to all the beautiful, wonderful, stunning, lovely, magnificent, miraculous, delightful, precious aspects of this God given life. We begin to take notice. Moments like the one I had watching a little redheaded firecracker walk around the house with her eyes closed are not blindly passed over. It’s a new world, a world of vision, a world of courage and a world of beauty. In daily fellowship with God, I can choose to walk around with my eyes wide open!
By Nannette W.
Posted Monday, December 29, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
No Apologies Necessary! - Step 12 - Carrying the Message
On a crispy December morning the day after Christmas 2002 my 23-year-old son called at 10:05 am and asked to speak to my 14-year-old son. I took the portable phone with me. As I began the task of waking the sleeping stretched out man/child his older brother said over the phone, “Oh mom don’t wake him up. You’re not waking him up are you?” I replied, “You know, it’s OK if he gets up. It’s 10:00 in the morning!” I proceeded to wake my son so that he could receive a message from his older brother.
As I walked away and left the two of them to chat I thought about the fact that I don’t actually like to wake up sleeping people either. I’m obviously kind of a softie when it comes to letting people “sleep in.”
I’m a little timid about encouraging people to wake up spiritually too. Step 12 is the challenge to be a spiritual wake up call to our brothers and sisters. It says, “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.” The invitation to wake up is issued by the Lord and His servants throughout the scriptures. Here is just a sampling:
Awake, awake, stand up (2 Nephi 8:17)
Awake awake, put on thy strength (2 Nephi 8:24)
O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep (2 Nephi 1:13)
Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness (2 Nephi 1:23)
Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy (Mosiah 3:2-3)
…now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed (Romans 13:11)
…awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words (Alma 32:27)
Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. (D&C 133:10)
As I proceed with the work of “carrying the message,” and inviting people to “get out of bed” spiritually speaking, I sometimes feel a little bad about interrupting their sleep. So why am I timid? Maybe it’s because I know that while being and remaining spiritually awake is very rewarding, it is also full of challenges.
Perhaps the things we need to take into account are the same things I considered the December morning I woke my young son to speak with his older brother. It’s getting late in the day - historically speaking. The message we bring is not our own. It is a message from our Older Brother. We should not feel sorry about waking up our heavenly siblings. We are waking them up to the personal love, direction and power of Jesus Christ and for the work of the Atonement in their lives. We are waking them up to Someone and for Something very wonderful. No apologies necessary!
By Nannette W.
Posted Thursday, December 26, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
As I walked away and left the two of them to chat I thought about the fact that I don’t actually like to wake up sleeping people either. I’m obviously kind of a softie when it comes to letting people “sleep in.”
I’m a little timid about encouraging people to wake up spiritually too. Step 12 is the challenge to be a spiritual wake up call to our brothers and sisters. It says, “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.” The invitation to wake up is issued by the Lord and His servants throughout the scriptures. Here is just a sampling:
Awake, awake, stand up (2 Nephi 8:17)
Awake awake, put on thy strength (2 Nephi 8:24)
O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep (2 Nephi 1:13)
Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness (2 Nephi 1:23)
Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy (Mosiah 3:2-3)
…now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed (Romans 13:11)
…awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words (Alma 32:27)
Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. (D&C 133:10)
As I proceed with the work of “carrying the message,” and inviting people to “get out of bed” spiritually speaking, I sometimes feel a little bad about interrupting their sleep. So why am I timid? Maybe it’s because I know that while being and remaining spiritually awake is very rewarding, it is also full of challenges.
Perhaps the things we need to take into account are the same things I considered the December morning I woke my young son to speak with his older brother. It’s getting late in the day - historically speaking. The message we bring is not our own. It is a message from our Older Brother. We should not feel sorry about waking up our heavenly siblings. We are waking them up to the personal love, direction and power of Jesus Christ and for the work of the Atonement in their lives. We are waking them up to Someone and for Something very wonderful. No apologies necessary!
By Nannette W.
Posted Thursday, December 26, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Re-Wrapping - Living In Gratitude
A friend of mine attended a Pre-Christmas, family party the other night where gifts were exchanged. Each person had the fun of unwrapping one gift from Santa. Her three-year-old little girl, Katie, along with all the little girl cousins received a Barbie Doll. At the close of the event Katie attentively carried the early present to the car and into the house, obviously pleased with her Christmas surprise. The next day my friend sat wrapping gifts in preparation for the big day ahead. As she wrapped Katie brought her the Barbie she’d received the night before and wanted it re-wrapped. After wrapping it again Katie placed it under the family tree. Throughout the wrapping time Katie disappeared time after time. Back and forth she went from the place in the house where her toys were kept, to the place where her mom was wrapping. Each time she brought with her something she had been given in the past to be re-wrapped and placed under the tree.
Being only three, I’m sure Katie was simply taken with the whole wrapping/unwrapping process and excitement, but for Katie’s mommy this little exercise was the inspiration for a very poignant thought about herself and the gifts she has received from God. She shared with me that she wished she could take all the gifts she had ever received from the Lord and wrap them up and place them under the tree.
While it’s true that part of the Christmas Spirit is being grateful for everything we unwrap on Christmas day, Katie had it right! In her own childlike way, she demonstrated her appreciation for all she has ever received in the past.
What a wonderful picture. When I live “in gratitude” it’s like taking notice of God’s daily gifts, re-wrapping them and placing them one at a time under the Christmas tree. Every gift I receive is in direct connection with the birth and life and death of Jesus Christ. It all belongs under the Christmas tree - really. Like the three-year-old who found such delight in re-wrapping and revisiting her gifts we can re-wrap and open again and again with equal delight and to our hearts desire!
By Nannette W.
Posted Thursday, December 26, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Being only three, I’m sure Katie was simply taken with the whole wrapping/unwrapping process and excitement, but for Katie’s mommy this little exercise was the inspiration for a very poignant thought about herself and the gifts she has received from God. She shared with me that she wished she could take all the gifts she had ever received from the Lord and wrap them up and place them under the tree.
While it’s true that part of the Christmas Spirit is being grateful for everything we unwrap on Christmas day, Katie had it right! In her own childlike way, she demonstrated her appreciation for all she has ever received in the past.
What a wonderful picture. When I live “in gratitude” it’s like taking notice of God’s daily gifts, re-wrapping them and placing them one at a time under the Christmas tree. Every gift I receive is in direct connection with the birth and life and death of Jesus Christ. It all belongs under the Christmas tree - really. Like the three-year-old who found such delight in re-wrapping and revisiting her gifts we can re-wrap and open again and again with equal delight and to our hearts desire!
By Nannette W.
Posted Thursday, December 26, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve Instruction on Finding the Perfect Gift – Step 1, 2, 3, and Perfectionism
If I wasn’t “finishing up” at Target or All-A-Dollar or Kmart at 5:45 on Christmas Eve I guess the season wouldn’t be quite the same. One December 24, 2002 I was given the following insight. It has made a difference in every Christmas Eve thereafter.
Exhausted and touching on frantic, I completed my Christmas buying that year by going to three stores just as the 24th sun of December was setting, trying to find that perfect, within my budget, healthy (at the request of the children) stuff to stuff in the…(well you know). First, I flew in and out of some store with the word dollar in the name but obviously not geared for the authentic “I’ve got no money left” shopper! Then it was on to The Dollar Store with a big finish at Kmart.
I miraculously ended the Christmas shopping within budget, but as I pulled into the garage I had a sinking feeling that what I had purchased was just not right at all. I entered the kitchen, helloed everyone, turned on the Christmas music and declared that the Holiday could now begin. I noticed my daughters had removed the unfinished chicken, thankfully, from the crock-pot and put it into the ever-faithful oven “in hopes that the dinner soon would be there.” (Is that a line from a famous Christmas poem?)
As I stood at the sink working toward perfection in the kitchen, I pondered as I often do while cycling the dishes. “Just why Nannette, why is gift giving so completely unsettling to you? Why do you put off the thinking of, looking for, purchasing, wrapping and giving of gifts? Why are you so “anxietous” (a family word) over every phase of this activity? I’ll tell you why,” spoke the Messenger to my mind. “It’s because you always want to give the perfect gift, isn’t it. You want it to be just the right thing and there is never enough time or money or creativity or understanding to pull it off. That’s it, isn’t it?”
Then came the instruction. “Nannette, there is only one perfect gift and it will not matter how early you line up at Shopko the day after Thanksgiving or whether or not you have a wheel barrow full of money with which to fight off the crowds and pay at the register. You will not be able to buy it.
Your Heavenly Father already conceived of it and His first born and only begotten Son already volunteered to be it and it has been offered to every one on your Christmas list! So let go of the notion of reinventing the magnificent and allow your humble giving of the less than perfect to be a perfect reminder. Let it bring to your philanthropic heart and near empty hands the testimony that His gift is The Gift that makes up for all lesser offerings. There is no other gift beside Him. Allow the contrast to be a symbol of your humble station and His abundant, priceless, perfect present.
By Nannette W.
Posted Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Exhausted and touching on frantic, I completed my Christmas buying that year by going to three stores just as the 24th sun of December was setting, trying to find that perfect, within my budget, healthy (at the request of the children) stuff to stuff in the…(well you know). First, I flew in and out of some store with the word dollar in the name but obviously not geared for the authentic “I’ve got no money left” shopper! Then it was on to The Dollar Store with a big finish at Kmart.
I miraculously ended the Christmas shopping within budget, but as I pulled into the garage I had a sinking feeling that what I had purchased was just not right at all. I entered the kitchen, helloed everyone, turned on the Christmas music and declared that the Holiday could now begin. I noticed my daughters had removed the unfinished chicken, thankfully, from the crock-pot and put it into the ever-faithful oven “in hopes that the dinner soon would be there.” (Is that a line from a famous Christmas poem?)
As I stood at the sink working toward perfection in the kitchen, I pondered as I often do while cycling the dishes. “Just why Nannette, why is gift giving so completely unsettling to you? Why do you put off the thinking of, looking for, purchasing, wrapping and giving of gifts? Why are you so “anxietous” (a family word) over every phase of this activity? I’ll tell you why,” spoke the Messenger to my mind. “It’s because you always want to give the perfect gift, isn’t it. You want it to be just the right thing and there is never enough time or money or creativity or understanding to pull it off. That’s it, isn’t it?”
Then came the instruction. “Nannette, there is only one perfect gift and it will not matter how early you line up at Shopko the day after Thanksgiving or whether or not you have a wheel barrow full of money with which to fight off the crowds and pay at the register. You will not be able to buy it.
Your Heavenly Father already conceived of it and His first born and only begotten Son already volunteered to be it and it has been offered to every one on your Christmas list! So let go of the notion of reinventing the magnificent and allow your humble giving of the less than perfect to be a perfect reminder. Let it bring to your philanthropic heart and near empty hands the testimony that His gift is The Gift that makes up for all lesser offerings. There is no other gift beside Him. Allow the contrast to be a symbol of your humble station and His abundant, priceless, perfect present.
By Nannette W.
Posted Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Five
This is the forth and final part of a set of posts dedicated to looking for 12 Step principles taught through the people, events, and symbols of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today we will look at The Journey to the Manger.
The Journey to the Manger – Steps 1, 2 and 3 “I can’t! He can! I think I’ll let Him!
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 1)
There seem to have been only a hand full of ancient people who took the journey to see the newborn King on that first Christmas night. The journey required of the rest of God’s children is not the journey to Bethlehem, but it is a journey to the King. Moroni describes our travel to the Lord as “coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him,” (see Moroni 10:32)
In early application of the 12 Steps the number one question in our minds is “I wonder how long this is going to take?” Many of us are convinced that the distance between Jesus and us is literally insurmountable.
My witness is that the journey to Him is not long. In fact is it’s as short as taking Steps 1, 2, and 3. Step 1 - I can’t. Step 2 - He (Jesus Christ) can! Step 3 - I think I’ll let Him. That’s the journey to Him, Our Heavenly King!
In the book Alcoholics Anonymous on page 58-59 we read, “Remember that we deal with alcohol -- cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is one who has all power -- that one is God. May you find Him now!” We are invited by the recovering alcoholic to believe in the immediate availability of God.
Although the work of recovery is life long, I find that once I turn to Him, He joins me on the road. It’s really not so very far to “Bethlehem,” to that place where we meet up with Jesus. The imagined mile between the Lord and us shortens every time we admit our need and turn our minds and our hearts to Him for direction and power. Every time we do so we invite Him to be our traveling companion!
“May we find Him now!” That is my Christmas wish for all of us weather we struggle with addiction or with any other hardship mortality has to offer. Every day I have to let go once again of the fear and pride that reduce my speed, delay my progress, and keep Him at arms length, unable to work in my life. Our recovery, our healing, our progress on the road to Bethlehem and thereafter was His sole purpose in coming to earth that Christmas night so long ago. My work is to not stand in His way. You and I can take the trip to Bethlehem as we Admit Our Need and Turn Our Minds and Our Hearts To Him For Direction and Power.
Conclusion
As children acting out the nativity story on Christmas Eve our understanding is very limited, but we know by the way we feel that this story, this little drama we present is different from all others. It is later, when we have experienced much of mortality that we come to know that recovery, healing, and all progress are made possible through the Atoning sacrifice of this little baby in the manger bed. The elements that were closest to Him at His birth: Angel, Mary, Joseph, Stable, Shepherds, star, and Wise Men each teach us something we need to understand in order to fully receive the blessings of the life He gave for us.
The last several posts have been dedicated to likening the story of the birth of Jesus Christ unto ourselves and our application of the 12 Steps. I’m sure the things we might learn from the people, events and symbols of this story are endless. My thoughts on this subject are my Christmas gifts to each of you. I know the Holy Spirit delights to teach us of Him in all things. May our lives be filled with the blessing of personal, divine insight and all the blessings of Christmas!
Merry Merry Christmas to you all!
Nannette
By Nannette W.
Posted Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
The Journey to the Manger – Steps 1, 2 and 3 “I can’t! He can! I think I’ll let Him!
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 1)
There seem to have been only a hand full of ancient people who took the journey to see the newborn King on that first Christmas night. The journey required of the rest of God’s children is not the journey to Bethlehem, but it is a journey to the King. Moroni describes our travel to the Lord as “coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him,” (see Moroni 10:32)
In early application of the 12 Steps the number one question in our minds is “I wonder how long this is going to take?” Many of us are convinced that the distance between Jesus and us is literally insurmountable.
My witness is that the journey to Him is not long. In fact is it’s as short as taking Steps 1, 2, and 3. Step 1 - I can’t. Step 2 - He (Jesus Christ) can! Step 3 - I think I’ll let Him. That’s the journey to Him, Our Heavenly King!
In the book Alcoholics Anonymous on page 58-59 we read, “Remember that we deal with alcohol -- cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is one who has all power -- that one is God. May you find Him now!” We are invited by the recovering alcoholic to believe in the immediate availability of God.
Although the work of recovery is life long, I find that once I turn to Him, He joins me on the road. It’s really not so very far to “Bethlehem,” to that place where we meet up with Jesus. The imagined mile between the Lord and us shortens every time we admit our need and turn our minds and our hearts to Him for direction and power. Every time we do so we invite Him to be our traveling companion!
“May we find Him now!” That is my Christmas wish for all of us weather we struggle with addiction or with any other hardship mortality has to offer. Every day I have to let go once again of the fear and pride that reduce my speed, delay my progress, and keep Him at arms length, unable to work in my life. Our recovery, our healing, our progress on the road to Bethlehem and thereafter was His sole purpose in coming to earth that Christmas night so long ago. My work is to not stand in His way. You and I can take the trip to Bethlehem as we Admit Our Need and Turn Our Minds and Our Hearts To Him For Direction and Power.
Conclusion
As children acting out the nativity story on Christmas Eve our understanding is very limited, but we know by the way we feel that this story, this little drama we present is different from all others. It is later, when we have experienced much of mortality that we come to know that recovery, healing, and all progress are made possible through the Atoning sacrifice of this little baby in the manger bed. The elements that were closest to Him at His birth: Angel, Mary, Joseph, Stable, Shepherds, star, and Wise Men each teach us something we need to understand in order to fully receive the blessings of the life He gave for us.
The last several posts have been dedicated to likening the story of the birth of Jesus Christ unto ourselves and our application of the 12 Steps. I’m sure the things we might learn from the people, events and symbols of this story are endless. My thoughts on this subject are my Christmas gifts to each of you. I know the Holy Spirit delights to teach us of Him in all things. May our lives be filled with the blessing of personal, divine insight and all the blessings of Christmas!
Merry Merry Christmas to you all!
Nannette
By Nannette W.
Posted Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Four
This is the forth part of a set of posts dedicated to looking for 12 Step principles taught through the people, events, and symbols of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today we will look at The Shepherds.
The Shepherds – Step 11 Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord…” (Luke 1)
The angelic words to the Christmas Shepherds that stand out to me are, “For unto you is born this day…” It is in the fields with the sheep and their caretakers that we learn that God sends angels to ordinary people like you and me.
When we are new and so imperfect at applying the 12 Steps most of us are filled with amazement, even shocked at feel the presence, love, direction and power of the Lord in our lives. Quoting from one who has struggled much: “Could this feeling I feel possible be the Light of Christ or the Holy Ghost? I haven’t been to Church or prayed or read the scriptures in years. I’ve done so many things I’m ashamed of. I know I must be a complete disappointment to God. But this feeling I have in my heart is so hopeful! What is it?”
Those who have been where we are and have worked hard to “live in recovery” by applying these principles help us begin to understand. They share with us that this feeling we are experiencing is the result of the Lord’s desire to help us and evidence that He is at work in our hearts and in our lives. After we have begun to feel His love and see His hand the great challenge is to continue to believe and receive. I find I have to consciously push away the doubt that threatens my ability to act on my newfound connection with divine help.
The shepherds are the symbol and sweet reminder of God’s very real interest in ordinary people. I’m so grateful they didn’t doubt their own experience. They didn’t stand around after the angels departed saying, “Wait a minute! This kind of thing doesn’t happen to shepherds?” No, they sought out the Christ child. The scriptures say they went with hast. I must seek Him too, and immediately, no matter how ordinary or unfit I think I am, because the Lord reveals himself to shepherd and other ordinary people such as myself. You and I can be like the Shepherds as we Do Not Doubt and Go With Hast!
Wise Men – All Steps
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2)
These earthly kings offer their riches to the Christ. That’s what I wish I could take to Jesus too, things that are beautiful, all shined up and smelling lovely. But He asks me to offer my whole soul. Some of that package isn’t very pretty. He asks me to offer Him my sins as well as my talents. Will I offer Him the best I have along with the worst? Will I offer Him all I have, all I am? He says He is like a refiners fire and can turn me into gold. To the Lord, you and I are the most important gold in the universe, gold in the making, gold in process. You and I can be like the Wise Men as we Offer Our Whole Souls As An Offering Unto Him!
Tomorrow the conclusion of this series.
By Nannette W.
Posted Monday, December 22, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
The Shepherds – Step 11 Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord…” (Luke 1)
The angelic words to the Christmas Shepherds that stand out to me are, “For unto you is born this day…” It is in the fields with the sheep and their caretakers that we learn that God sends angels to ordinary people like you and me.
When we are new and so imperfect at applying the 12 Steps most of us are filled with amazement, even shocked at feel the presence, love, direction and power of the Lord in our lives. Quoting from one who has struggled much: “Could this feeling I feel possible be the Light of Christ or the Holy Ghost? I haven’t been to Church or prayed or read the scriptures in years. I’ve done so many things I’m ashamed of. I know I must be a complete disappointment to God. But this feeling I have in my heart is so hopeful! What is it?”
Those who have been where we are and have worked hard to “live in recovery” by applying these principles help us begin to understand. They share with us that this feeling we are experiencing is the result of the Lord’s desire to help us and evidence that He is at work in our hearts and in our lives. After we have begun to feel His love and see His hand the great challenge is to continue to believe and receive. I find I have to consciously push away the doubt that threatens my ability to act on my newfound connection with divine help.
The shepherds are the symbol and sweet reminder of God’s very real interest in ordinary people. I’m so grateful they didn’t doubt their own experience. They didn’t stand around after the angels departed saying, “Wait a minute! This kind of thing doesn’t happen to shepherds?” No, they sought out the Christ child. The scriptures say they went with hast. I must seek Him too, and immediately, no matter how ordinary or unfit I think I am, because the Lord reveals himself to shepherd and other ordinary people such as myself. You and I can be like the Shepherds as we Do Not Doubt and Go With Hast!
Wise Men – All Steps
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2)
These earthly kings offer their riches to the Christ. That’s what I wish I could take to Jesus too, things that are beautiful, all shined up and smelling lovely. But He asks me to offer my whole soul. Some of that package isn’t very pretty. He asks me to offer Him my sins as well as my talents. Will I offer Him the best I have along with the worst? Will I offer Him all I have, all I am? He says He is like a refiners fire and can turn me into gold. To the Lord, you and I are the most important gold in the universe, gold in the making, gold in process. You and I can be like the Wise Men as we Offer Our Whole Souls As An Offering Unto Him!
Tomorrow the conclusion of this series.
By Nannette W.
Posted Monday, December 22, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Three
This is the third part of a set of posts dedicated to looking for 12 Step principles taught through the people, events, and symbols of the story of the birth of Christ. Today we will look at The Stable and The Star.
The Stable – Step 7 Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove you shortcomings.
There was no room for Joseph and Mary in the Inn and so they found refuge in a stable. Sometimes my heart feels like a stable, not nearly clean enough, pure enough to provide a dwelling place for the Son of God! Am I humble enough to invite Him in anyway, with my heart in disarray, so cluttered and imperfect? I find myself filled with embarrassment at the thought! “Please, just give me a little more time and maybe I can get my heart all spruced up and ready for divine occupancy!”
But try as I may I can’t do it. It’s a job beyond my single-handed mortal ability. Will I invite the Son of God to come in and dirty His perfectly clean hands with the work of my salvation. Will I allow the Lord to empty my heart of all the things that crowd Him out, the things that are “outside of Him,” all the lesser things I have come to depend on, instead of Him? You and I can be like the humble stable as we Let Him In!
The Star – Step 12 Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.
“… behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem… and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” (Matthew 2)
If there was a star in the heavens with my name on it and it hung over and illuminated the principle object of my love and worship (the thing of greatest importance to me) would it be a Christmas star? Would it shine on the Jesus Christ? Would it illuminate His live and His mission? Would it serve those who are lost and weary? Would it point others toward Him? You and I can be like the star as we Point The Way!
Tomorrow we’ll visit the Shepherds.
By Nannette W.
Posted Sunday, December 21, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
The Stable – Step 7 Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove you shortcomings.
There was no room for Joseph and Mary in the Inn and so they found refuge in a stable. Sometimes my heart feels like a stable, not nearly clean enough, pure enough to provide a dwelling place for the Son of God! Am I humble enough to invite Him in anyway, with my heart in disarray, so cluttered and imperfect? I find myself filled with embarrassment at the thought! “Please, just give me a little more time and maybe I can get my heart all spruced up and ready for divine occupancy!”
But try as I may I can’t do it. It’s a job beyond my single-handed mortal ability. Will I invite the Son of God to come in and dirty His perfectly clean hands with the work of my salvation. Will I allow the Lord to empty my heart of all the things that crowd Him out, the things that are “outside of Him,” all the lesser things I have come to depend on, instead of Him? You and I can be like the humble stable as we Let Him In!
The Star – Step 12 Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.
“… behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem… and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” (Matthew 2)
If there was a star in the heavens with my name on it and it hung over and illuminated the principle object of my love and worship (the thing of greatest importance to me) would it be a Christmas star? Would it shine on the Jesus Christ? Would it illuminate His live and His mission? Would it serve those who are lost and weary? Would it point others toward Him? You and I can be like the star as we Point The Way!
Tomorrow we’ll visit the Shepherds.
By Nannette W.
Posted Sunday, December 21, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Two
It was a great experience to look at the people, events, and symbols of the Christmas Story with the 12 Steps in mind. I share these thoughts with you knowing that this is just a sampling of many possible impressions. These were the things that came to me…
The Angel Gabriel - Step 12 Carrying the Message
The first individual to speak in the Christmas story is the Angel Gabriel. Addressing Mary he said, “…the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women… Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest…” (Luke 1)
The message we are called to carry to those who suffer on this earth is not unlike the Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary. The message is that the Lord loves us. He desires to be with us. We don’t need to be afraid, and we each have a unique work to do on the earth. You and I can be like Gabriel. As we Carry the Message!
Mary – Step 3 Turning my life and will over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ
Mary’s reply to the Angel Gabriel was, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1). Mary is the picture of complete surrender to the will God.
Her submissive reply causes me to inventory my own response when the Lord requires hard things of me? I wish it were always, “be it unto me according to they word,” but it’s not. Today I know I can practice being the handmaid of the Lord one day at a time, one hour at a time. You and I can be like Mary as we grow in the ability to Trust Him Absolutely!
Joseph – Step 11 Seeking through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out
When Joseph takes Mary as his wife he is literally saying, “I care for my Heavenly Father and his plan more that I care for any earthly honor. I will be shamed in a way that will affect the rest of my life, but my life is His and I will do His will.”
Joseph surrenders his reputation and literally becomes the hands of his Heavenly Father in the earthly care of His divine Son. Am I willing to be the hands of God no matter what the cost? You and I can be like Joseph as we become willing to Bear the Shame of the World!
The Inn – Step 6 Change of Heart – Become willing to have God remove all you character weaknesses.
As Joseph searched for shelter these words are recorded. “There was no room for them in the inn.” I always feel so sad at this part of the story. I just know I would have given them my room if I’d had the opportunity.
Although I wasn’t there, the opportunity to provide a dwelling place for the Lord is still very much available. The room He has asked me to give Him is my heart. That’s the place He longs to dwell in today. He can only “move in” with my permission, at my invitation. As the words in “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” say “Where meek souls will receive Him still, the Dear Christ enters in.” You and I can be willing to Make Room for Him Today!
As you can see this exercises seems to lead to personal inventory. Tomorrow we will look at the stable, the shepherds, the star, and the wise men.
By Nannette W.
Posted Friday, December 19, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
The Angel Gabriel - Step 12 Carrying the Message
The first individual to speak in the Christmas story is the Angel Gabriel. Addressing Mary he said, “…the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women… Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest…” (Luke 1)
The message we are called to carry to those who suffer on this earth is not unlike the Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary. The message is that the Lord loves us. He desires to be with us. We don’t need to be afraid, and we each have a unique work to do on the earth. You and I can be like Gabriel. As we Carry the Message!
Mary – Step 3 Turning my life and will over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ
Mary’s reply to the Angel Gabriel was, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1). Mary is the picture of complete surrender to the will God.
Her submissive reply causes me to inventory my own response when the Lord requires hard things of me? I wish it were always, “be it unto me according to they word,” but it’s not. Today I know I can practice being the handmaid of the Lord one day at a time, one hour at a time. You and I can be like Mary as we grow in the ability to Trust Him Absolutely!
Joseph – Step 11 Seeking through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out
When Joseph takes Mary as his wife he is literally saying, “I care for my Heavenly Father and his plan more that I care for any earthly honor. I will be shamed in a way that will affect the rest of my life, but my life is His and I will do His will.”
Joseph surrenders his reputation and literally becomes the hands of his Heavenly Father in the earthly care of His divine Son. Am I willing to be the hands of God no matter what the cost? You and I can be like Joseph as we become willing to Bear the Shame of the World!
The Inn – Step 6 Change of Heart – Become willing to have God remove all you character weaknesses.
As Joseph searched for shelter these words are recorded. “There was no room for them in the inn.” I always feel so sad at this part of the story. I just know I would have given them my room if I’d had the opportunity.
Although I wasn’t there, the opportunity to provide a dwelling place for the Lord is still very much available. The room He has asked me to give Him is my heart. That’s the place He longs to dwell in today. He can only “move in” with my permission, at my invitation. As the words in “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” say “Where meek souls will receive Him still, the Dear Christ enters in.” You and I can be willing to Make Room for Him Today!
As you can see this exercises seems to lead to personal inventory. Tomorrow we will look at the stable, the shepherds, the star, and the wise men.
By Nannette W.
Posted Friday, December 19, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part One
For many years we re-enacted the Christmas Story at my mother’s house. As young girls my sister and I traded off taking the part of Mary, the Angel, or a shepherd and my brothers filled in all the male roles. Being the oldest I was the narrator for several years.
During my motherhood years I didn’t usually take a part, but every year, on Christmas Eve about the time all the other adults had collapsed on sofas and in chairs, being overcome with preparation and food, my sister and I called all the cousins into Grandma’s bedroom and we costumed for the Nativity Scene.
“Mom, my shepherd hat won’t stay on!”
“You were the wise man last year, give me grandma’s jewelry!”
“Where’s Uncle _____ robe?”
“Sheets, we need more sheets.”
My mother totally left this preparation (which was always more dramatic that the presentation itself) to my sister and I. I’m sure she determined that she had put in enough time as director of this yearly pageant. I doubt if she enjoyed her retirement, as she heard the sound of 15+ children in her bedroom fighting over her beads and robes and rummaging through her drawers for this or that important prop.
The issue of who was to take the role of baby Jesus was usually pretty clear-cut, but one year we had to line up four baskets, two baby boys, and a set of twin girls. We even tried to involve some of the adult men, uncles taking the part of camels and donkeys.
Today the tradition lives on, only now it’s my jewelry and towels and robes they’re using. I’m the Grandma who allows her daughters to opportunity to do the directing.
This yearly event gives each of us a few minutes to pretend we are there. Christmas time seems to shorten the years that have lapsed since the adult audience actually participated as part of the cast. Our childlike love for the pageant is easily accessed. For a few short minutes we have relived more that just a story. The thousands of miles and years that separate us from them, those ancient ones, are diminished.
But alas the Christ-child story and the evening must come to a close. The signs are always clear. The baby Jesus starts to cry because he or she just can’t lie there and be that good any longer, a strand of Grandma’s favorite beads breaks, someone’s costume completely falls apart, or one of the uncles who has been playing the part of a camel realizes that he may never walk upright again. We quickly sing one verse of “Silent Night” and then spend the next hour folding up towels and sheets and hanging up robes and searching for Grandma’s lost jewelry.
The magic of that night 2000 years ago is suddenly filled up with thoughts of getting home, hanging up stockings, and wrapping one last gift. We wonder if 7-11 sells anything that will do for neighbors we barely know who just dropped off a beef-jerky stick, assorted cheeses, and a bag full of homemade caramel popcorn balls. And finally, there is the fear that Santa might leave something that requires assembly.
The family nativity tradition has been revisited one more year. The children are satisfied; the childhood within each of us is satisfied. Now we can move forward with other traditions, feeling good about giving a prominent place to the true meaning of Christmas. We have reminded the children of the most wondrous people, events, and symbols in the history of man. This is a wonderful gift from us to our children, and from them to us (looking back and for a few minutes, placing ourselves in the middle of The Central Event of All History).
Re-enacting of the Christmas Story while mom or dad reads the scriptural rendition is often our earliest and most basic experience of likening the scriptures unto ourselves. Learning to “liken,” the scriptures unto myself, as Nephi calls it, has been a huge blessing in my life and in my recovery. Without fail the principles I am taught as I study correspond with the Gospel centered principles represented by the 12 Steps.
As grownups we don’t dress up like those ancients, in our daily scripture study, in order to learn from their experience. Instead we place ourselves figuratively in their shoes, and we consider the principles that are being taught from their experience. Then we seek the blessing of knowing through the Spirit how their experience applies to our own and how we might act on that understanding.
The verses telling of the birth of Jesus Christ represent the world’s most widely known set of scriptures. I wonder if God planned that such a universally known story might hold value for likening and learning for us.
What can I learn from the Christmas Story that might enlighten and inspire my application of the 12 Steps today? Over the next few days I would like to share some of the thoughts I have had about the people, events, and symbols of the Christmas Story and how they can be seen through the eyes of recovery.
By Nannette W.
Posted Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
During my motherhood years I didn’t usually take a part, but every year, on Christmas Eve about the time all the other adults had collapsed on sofas and in chairs, being overcome with preparation and food, my sister and I called all the cousins into Grandma’s bedroom and we costumed for the Nativity Scene.
“Mom, my shepherd hat won’t stay on!”
“You were the wise man last year, give me grandma’s jewelry!”
“Where’s Uncle _____ robe?”
“Sheets, we need more sheets.”
My mother totally left this preparation (which was always more dramatic that the presentation itself) to my sister and I. I’m sure she determined that she had put in enough time as director of this yearly pageant. I doubt if she enjoyed her retirement, as she heard the sound of 15+ children in her bedroom fighting over her beads and robes and rummaging through her drawers for this or that important prop.
The issue of who was to take the role of baby Jesus was usually pretty clear-cut, but one year we had to line up four baskets, two baby boys, and a set of twin girls. We even tried to involve some of the adult men, uncles taking the part of camels and donkeys.
Today the tradition lives on, only now it’s my jewelry and towels and robes they’re using. I’m the Grandma who allows her daughters to opportunity to do the directing.
This yearly event gives each of us a few minutes to pretend we are there. Christmas time seems to shorten the years that have lapsed since the adult audience actually participated as part of the cast. Our childlike love for the pageant is easily accessed. For a few short minutes we have relived more that just a story. The thousands of miles and years that separate us from them, those ancient ones, are diminished.
But alas the Christ-child story and the evening must come to a close. The signs are always clear. The baby Jesus starts to cry because he or she just can’t lie there and be that good any longer, a strand of Grandma’s favorite beads breaks, someone’s costume completely falls apart, or one of the uncles who has been playing the part of a camel realizes that he may never walk upright again. We quickly sing one verse of “Silent Night” and then spend the next hour folding up towels and sheets and hanging up robes and searching for Grandma’s lost jewelry.
The magic of that night 2000 years ago is suddenly filled up with thoughts of getting home, hanging up stockings, and wrapping one last gift. We wonder if 7-11 sells anything that will do for neighbors we barely know who just dropped off a beef-jerky stick, assorted cheeses, and a bag full of homemade caramel popcorn balls. And finally, there is the fear that Santa might leave something that requires assembly.
The family nativity tradition has been revisited one more year. The children are satisfied; the childhood within each of us is satisfied. Now we can move forward with other traditions, feeling good about giving a prominent place to the true meaning of Christmas. We have reminded the children of the most wondrous people, events, and symbols in the history of man. This is a wonderful gift from us to our children, and from them to us (looking back and for a few minutes, placing ourselves in the middle of The Central Event of All History).
Re-enacting of the Christmas Story while mom or dad reads the scriptural rendition is often our earliest and most basic experience of likening the scriptures unto ourselves. Learning to “liken,” the scriptures unto myself, as Nephi calls it, has been a huge blessing in my life and in my recovery. Without fail the principles I am taught as I study correspond with the Gospel centered principles represented by the 12 Steps.
As grownups we don’t dress up like those ancients, in our daily scripture study, in order to learn from their experience. Instead we place ourselves figuratively in their shoes, and we consider the principles that are being taught from their experience. Then we seek the blessing of knowing through the Spirit how their experience applies to our own and how we might act on that understanding.
The verses telling of the birth of Jesus Christ represent the world’s most widely known set of scriptures. I wonder if God planned that such a universally known story might hold value for likening and learning for us.
What can I learn from the Christmas Story that might enlighten and inspire my application of the 12 Steps today? Over the next few days I would like to share some of the thoughts I have had about the people, events, and symbols of the Christmas Story and how they can be seen through the eyes of recovery.
By Nannette W.
Posted Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Our “Gratitudes” and Our Prayers – The Tools of Recovery
The family van rounded the corner moving towards home. Christmas fun and celebration at the Dickens’ Festival had come to a close. The car was filled with sounds of three “over-Christmas-ed” kids. My daughter (the mother) turned the radio up one more notch, but the children could not be out done or quieted even by Burl Ives and one more round of “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!” It was a car full of tired kids, not to mention the tired parents.
“When we get home we need to hurry really fast, have a snack and get into bed,” announced the Mother hopefully.
She anticipated that in less that twenty minutes time maybe, just maybe her three under six would be “nestled all snug in their wee little beds.” Never mind the “visions of sugar plums dancing in wee heads” as long as they get into bed and stay there!
Her plans were to be amended though. A voice of sanity came from the back of the car, from the car seat of the little blond boy with blue eyes that fade with the day. “But mom we need to remember to say our “gratitudes” and our prayers.”
Sometimes I’m tempted to allow my “dailies,” my daily traditions to fly out the window to make room for all the Christmas traditions. In my daughter’s home, every night before bed the family gathers. They go around and each family member shares something they are grateful for. Then they have a prayer together as a family. Finally each child kneels and speaks personally to Heavenly Father, the little ones with the help of a parent.
On tired long days this daily ritual may not seem time effective or energy efficient, but it is the most important tradition of all, beyond trees and lights and packages and Christmas lists. Even a three year old knows that.
After my “jamies” are on and I unplug the tree and switch off the lights that dawn our house, I want to remember the one critical tradition, the one that even a three year old knows is vital to the completion of the day. When I’m tempted to fall into bed may I hear the echo of a little voice saying, ““But Grandma, we need to remember to say our “gratitudes” and our prayers.”
By Nannette W.
Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
“When we get home we need to hurry really fast, have a snack and get into bed,” announced the Mother hopefully.
She anticipated that in less that twenty minutes time maybe, just maybe her three under six would be “nestled all snug in their wee little beds.” Never mind the “visions of sugar plums dancing in wee heads” as long as they get into bed and stay there!
Her plans were to be amended though. A voice of sanity came from the back of the car, from the car seat of the little blond boy with blue eyes that fade with the day. “But mom we need to remember to say our “gratitudes” and our prayers.”
Sometimes I’m tempted to allow my “dailies,” my daily traditions to fly out the window to make room for all the Christmas traditions. In my daughter’s home, every night before bed the family gathers. They go around and each family member shares something they are grateful for. Then they have a prayer together as a family. Finally each child kneels and speaks personally to Heavenly Father, the little ones with the help of a parent.
On tired long days this daily ritual may not seem time effective or energy efficient, but it is the most important tradition of all, beyond trees and lights and packages and Christmas lists. Even a three year old knows that.
After my “jamies” are on and I unplug the tree and switch off the lights that dawn our house, I want to remember the one critical tradition, the one that even a three year old knows is vital to the completion of the day. When I’m tempted to fall into bed may I hear the echo of a little voice saying, ““But Grandma, we need to remember to say our “gratitudes” and our prayers.”
By Nannette W.
Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved. Making or sending copies is permitted if the page is not changed in any way and the material is not used for profit. This notice must be included on each copy made or sent.
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